The worldwide annual celebration acknowledges women’s accomplishments, and this year’s theme, ‘#InspireInclusion’ [i], underscores the ongoing efforts required to genuinely incorporate women by openly embracing their diversity in terms of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and identity. 

Mrs Mindy Powell-Hodges, Head of Network at Raine & Horne Group, said, “On International Women’s Day, we extend our appreciation for all women, particularly the thousands of women in across our network who contribute significantly to moving the industry forward.

Highlighting Raine & Horne’s commitment to inclusion within the real estate industry, the super brand’s Corporate team boasts over 50% female representation.

Mrs Powell-Hodges stressed, “However, it’s important to note that we don’t enforce a quota system. Our focus remains on selecting the most qualified candidate for every role.”

One such candidate is young gun executive Ms Lauren Barham, National Products & Training Manager. She commenced her tenure at Raine & Horne in 2019, following her role at the global AI-tech company CCT. During her time there, CCT collaborated with Raine & Horne in launching Amplify, the first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing platform.

Ms Barham highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day as a valuable occasion to honour and celebrate the often-overlooked women in our lives. “It’s a celebration recognising the underappreciated contributions of women and acknowledging the strides they’ve made, both personally and professionally.”

“As women, we contemplate the future and the possibility of starting families, and reflect on the sacrifices our careers may demand. Yet, I’m heartened by the increasing inclusivity and open-mindedness towards accommodating family life in the workplace.

In 2023, Ms Barham also assumed the reins of the super brand’s philanthropic initiatives by managing the Raine & Horne Foundation, which was launched in 2021. Under her guidance, the foundation has raised over $650,000 for causes such as Dignity, a charity combating homelessness.

She stated, “Through this collaboration, we are actively addressing homelessness, focusing on individuals who may not be visibly experiencing it on the streets or in parks but are, in fact, living in their cars.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s important to note that many of these vulnerable individuals are women or single mothers who have endured domestic violence.

“Our commitment extends to preventing them from slipping through the cracks, and by providing essential support to Dignity, our goal is to create more accommodation and ensure secure housing for those in need.”

The real estate industry is an ideal fit for women

Real estate and a career with Raine & Horne present an ideal career avenue for women, allowing them to define their own work-life balance. 

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight that the real estate profession provides flexibility and limitless earning possibilities and is well-suited for mothers or individuals seeking a career change,” Mrs Powell-Hodges said.

Mrs Casey DeMichele, a young mother and leading Sales Consultant at Raine & Horne Murraylands, acknowledges the inherent flexibility in the real estate industry that should be celebrated on International Women’s Day. 

Despite the challenges of navigating first-time motherhood, Mrs DeMichele has diligently positioned herself as a leader in the Murraylands region of South Australia. Even during her maternity leave in 2022, she successfully closed deals on 24 properties. 

“The support I receive from the team at Raine & Horne Murrylands allows me to balance both my commitments at home as well as in my career. This drives me to go the extra mile.”

Similarly, Mrs Romilly Ashkettle, Group Manager of Raine & Horne New Zealand, marks her greatest personal achievement as raising her three children in amongst a successful corporate career.

With a vast amount of experience within the real estate industry, Mrs Ashkettle joined Raine & Horne during the brand's rapid New Zealand expansion, seeing the group as one that would support her career goals.

“The opportunity with Raine & Horne came about at a time where I was looking for the next step in my career.

“As much as I was excited by the role, I was equally moved by the fact that three out of the four people who interviewed me were female. Moreover, I was especially impressed by Mindy Powell-Hodges, who is a woman I truly look up to in this industry.”

[i] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme